Instruct patients not to smoke or go near naked flames - risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9 Overdose

There are no known toxic effects resulting from excessive use of Psoriderm Cream.

5. Pharmacological properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Coal tar has been used dermatologically for hundreds of years and has been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of scaly scalp conditions such as psoriasis. The British Pharmacopoeia contains monographs on coal tar and coal tar solution, and many formulations of coal tar are used in hospitals throughout the country. The coal tar used in Psoriderm Cream has been specially distilled and is based on a neutral fraction which has been shown to be effective in the treatment of psoriasis.

The precise mechanism of action of coal tar is not understood, largely as a result of it comprising up to 10 000 components. There is evidence that topical application of coal tar improves psoriasis by reducing the excessive rate of mitotic epidermal cell division.

Lecithin is added to Psoriderm Cream to soften psoriasis scales and thereby enhance the absorption of the coal tar.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

Not applicable.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

No relevant information additional to that contained elsewhere in the SPC.